The high school moved into a new building in 1952. During this time the community also improved the playground, added lighting to the football field and installed 1,000 bleacher seats. At this time Tryon’s football field was known as one of the best in the state.
In 1957, the high school was completely in the new addition connected to the elementary school, which included a cafeteria on the second floor and a new gymnasium.
In 1960, many Columbus students left the Tryon schools because of the opening of Polk Central High School in Mill Spring.
In 1965, Embury School closed and Tryon schools became desegregated.
In the mid-1960s, Tryon residents passed a bond referendum to build a new high school at Harmon Field on a site donated by Mr. and Mrs. Willis E. Kuhn. In September 1968, students moved into the new building (what is now the Harmon Field Community Center and Tryon Arts and Crafts). The new school was dedicated in living memory to the Kuhns. Also honored was Geoffrey Tennant, who donated the money for the open-air gym, named in memory of his father, Colin McKenzie Tennant Jr.
In 1983, Arthur Farwell donated money for the Arthur and Elizabeth Farwell Computer Science and Mathematics Center.
Kindergarten was added as an optional grade in 1974. Enrollment figures over the years increased to a high in the mid-1960s of 930 in grades 1-12; by 1992 Tryon schools had 600 students in grades K through 12.
Some of Tryon faculty (elementary and high school) included Sally Jo Carter, Steve Aldred, Gary Gibbs, Peggy Edwards, Beth McCallister, Charles and Annette Stafford, Mable Cowan, Carol Lawrence, Karen Killough, Franklin McKaig, Garland Rice, Barry Flood, Phillip Preston, Emmie Mackay, Ann Sellers, Chris Johnson, Nancy Bollinger, Jean Preston, John Trent, Bill Miller, Geoffrey Tennant and Walker Williams. These were just some of the teachers and principals who spent many years at Tryon schools in its last few decades.
Some Tryonites may have memories that stretch further back and remember such Tryon greats as William Hooker, Myrtle Baldwin, Kathleen West, Jean Pettigrew, Margaret Mize, Charles Crawford, Michael Pearson, Coke Foster, Elmo Neal and Bill Barry, just to name a few.
Those planning to attend the reunion are asked to RSVP to Jackie Wingo Copeland at 864-266-1134. Joyce Kimpton is renting the buildings for the event. Donations to help with the costs may be sent to Kimpton either prior to or on July 22.
For more information or to help, contact Stacy Thompson Roper at 864-473-0265.